Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on Ross Barkley’s situation at Everton ahead of a possible move for the midfielder.

It is highly unlikely that Everton would entertain bids for Barkley in January, but Spurs are ready to make an offer in the summer if the 23 year-old does not sign a new contract before the end of the season.

Barkley’s current Everton deal has 18 months remaining on it and talks over a new contract have been put on ice while the player tries to hold down a place in manager Ronald Koeman’s side. Koeman has been critical of Barkley this season, but restored him to the team for the victory over Arsenal and was rewarded with an impressive performance.

Barkley has lost his England place since the European Championships, but Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is confident he could get the best out of him. Pochettino has worked wonders with a host of young English players at Southampton and Tottenham, which could be attractive to Barkley as he ponders his future.

Despite the fact he will only have 12 months remaining on his current contract in the summer, Everton would still demand at least £25 million for Barkley at the end of the season. That fits into Tottenham’s budget, although chairman Daniel Levy may well try to argue that figure down.

Pochettino is seeking more creative options within his squad, having seen Spurs look slightly one-dimensional against better opposition this season.

Fitting both Barkley and Dele Alli into the same side would be a challenge for Pochettino, but the Argentine has proved before that he likes competition in his squad.

Chelsea have a historical interest in Barkley, but it is unclear whether or not the talented playmaker would fit into the system deployed by head coach Antonio Conte with Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro all at the club, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek still waiting for a chance.